About Us:
We are a small, hands-on, campaign group working towards a healthier, greener and more connected Southampton. We envision Southampton as a city where people and nature can be supported towards mutual flourishing. As an aspiring National Park City, our vision is for an urban setting where vibrant biodiversities are woven into the fabric of our daily lives, where people, culture and nature can coexist harmoniously.
Established in 2021 by local Southampton residents, we have come a long way. In 2023 Southampton was nominated as a rising National Park City, marking our efforts to date as well as the proximity to obtaining National Park City status. Additionally, we were made a partner in the regional YouCAN partnership, administered by the New Forest National Park Authority and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. This allowed us to push forward with new initiatives, deliver a revamped strategic plan, and improve our organisational structure.
With the completion​ of the three year YouCAN scheme, having achieved two years of the Urban Wild festival, helped young people to deliver their own projects through the Young Placemakers Scheme, supported the designation of Lordsdale Greenway as a Local Nature Reserve and collaborated on projects around the River Itchen, from River Rights to Friends of the River Itchen - we have been grateful to receive further funding from the National Lottery via the YouCAN partnership for a further year. We will be working towards Southampton achieving full National Park City status with the support of the additional funding.